ERIC Number: EJ936505
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluation of a Health and Fitness Social Media Experience
Frimming, Renee E.; Polsgrove, Myles Jay; Bower, Glenna G.
American Journal of Health Education, v42 n4 p222-227 Jul-Aug 2011
Background: University health and fitness faculty members are continually striving to enhance the health knowledge of their students. Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to survey student reflections of a social media experience. Methods: Students were placed into one of two groups: Learners (N = 92) or Pre-Service Health and Fitness Professionals (N = 35). The interaction with social media began when Learners posted health and fitness questions to a Facebook group site. Survey questionnaires were given to all participants. Results: The responses of the Learner group revealed that 51.1% believed long-term use of a social media site benefit their fitness routine. A supporting Learner response, "I feel more informed and aware of proper fitness." The responses of the Pre-Service Health and Fitness Professionals group revealed that 52.9% learned from peers. A supporting PSHFP response, "I learned that some of my peers are quick to establish more ways to improve a workout..." Discussion: Both Learners and Pre-Service Health and Fitness Professionals groups gave new insights into health and fitness needs. Translation to Health Education Practice: The University is an ideal setting to share health and fitness knowledge through social media. (Contains 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Health Education, Questionnaires, College Faculty, Social Networks, Internet, Health Related Fitness, Case Studies, Surveys, Medical Care Evaluation, Technology Uses in Education, Higher Education, College Students, Reflection, Physical Education, Validity, Academic Achievement
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A